Academies FAQ

1. What is the Academies program?

Academies is an optional program that will provide students the opportunity to pursue a four-year, focused course of study in the areas of STEM, government and law (GLP2), business, administration, and management (BAM), or visual/creative and performing arts (VCAP).

2. Who can sign up?

Academies will be available for all incoming Freshmen beginning with the Class of 2024.  There are no prerequisites to join an Academy, however there are requirements for Endorsement at graduation.

3. How do I sign up for an Academy?

Complete an Intent to Pursue before meeting with your school counselor for scheduling. See the back page of this brochure for more information. 

4.What if I sign up for an Academy and later decide I do not want to pursue this anymore?

Just let your counselor know and continue to take any courses UHS offers in any sequence in accordance with graduation requirements. 

5. How is are Academies different from a traditional course of study?

Academies gives students the chance to demonstrate commitment to an area of study in greater depth than a traditional HS course of study. The core of your four years at UHS are mapped out for you.  You just choose your focused electives!

6. Do I have to select a Academy? What happens if I don’t?

No.  If joining an Academy isn’t for you, UHS will continue to offer students the option of a varied and rigorous traditional high school course of study. You can also still follow the same sequence of courses as an Academy student without declaring, but will not be eligible for endorsement or to attend Academy events.

7. Are the Electives listed on the Academy charts only for Academy students?

No.  Any student can enroll in any course offered by UHS (if they meet all prerequisites).

8. How do I know what to take or how to get an Endorsement?

See your Academy chart for your course of study and the Endorsement requirements.

9. What happens if I fail a course?

If you fail a course and pass during the summer, you can continue on a pathway but will not be eligible for endorsement.  If you do not pass during the summer, you will be veering off your pathway and can continue taking any course UHS offers in any sequence in accordance with graduation requirements.

10. What are the benefits of joining an Academy?

Academy students will have opportunities to meet with interest-specific college representatives, engage with guest speakers in applicable fields, and potentially explore internship opportunities specific to their area of interest. Additionally, Academy students may choose to pursue one of two endorsements: Standard Endorsement or an Endorsement with Excellence, which mark their dedication to their chosen field.

11. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

The first step is to contact your school counselor.  

12. When can I sign up?

Current eighth graders can complete an Intent to Pursue starting in MP3 of their eighth grade year.  Current Freshmen can complete and Intent to Pursue until the end of MP1 of their Freshman year.